Ten pairings, right under the Louvre. In Paris, this tasting happens in an 18th-century royal cellar once used by the King of France, with a structured 10 wines and 10 cheeses flight that’s far calmer than the streets above.

I love that it’s a small group (up to 12), so the English-speaking guide can actually talk through what you’re tasting instead of rushing. I also like the balance of styles, with both reds and whites and classic French cheeses like brie, blue, and goat.

One thing to plan for: there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to make your own way to Les Caves du Louvre near the Louvre area.

Key things I think you’ll care about

• Royal-cellar setting right by the Louvre: underground, historic, and a break from daytime crowds
• A full lineup of 10 wines + 10 cheeses: you taste widely, not just a couple “highlights”
• Small group (max 12): easier questions and better pacing
• English-speaking wine expert: explanations tied to regions, grapes, and pairings
• Wine + cheese pairing education: not only what to taste, but why it works

Inside Les Caves du Louvre, where the tasting starts

This is a wine-and-cheese experience set underground in Les Caves du Louvre, in cellars described as royal and dating to the 18th century. The setting is the first “wow” moment. You’re away from the street noise, and the dim, cellar atmosphere makes the tasting feel like an event, not a quick sip-and-go.

It also helps that you’re in central Paris. The meeting point is 52 Rue de l’Arbre Sec, 75001 Paris, so you’re positioned to combine this with other Louvre-area plans (if your schedule allows). And because the cellar space is part of the appeal, the experience isn’t just about eating and drinking—it’s about being in the right place for it.

Ten wines, ten cheeses: how the format actually helps you

The big promise here is simple: 2 hours, and you work through 10 wines paired with 10 cheeses. That structure matters because it turns pairing into a pattern you can recognize, instead of a mystery you hope to copy later.

You’ll taste a mix of 5 white wines and 5 red wines, with pairings that highlight classic French cheeses. Brie, blue, and goat show up in the lineup, and the guide also talks about cheese differences across milk types (goat, sheep, and cow came up in guide-led explanations during the experience). You don’t just get flavors—you get vocabulary to understand them.

What I like about this format is that it “trains” your palate. After a few rounds, you start noticing how acidity, tannin, and body change how cheese tastes. It’s the kind of learning you can use later—at a shop back home, at a future tasting, or when you’re trying to make a pairing at a table.

Meet the guides: the storytelling is part of the value

A wine tasting lives or dies by the guide, and this one seems to put real focus on the presenter. English-speaking wine experts lead the session, and names that show up in people’s descriptions include Willie, Maria, Clement, Jasmina, Irving, and Philipe.

The common thread in how these guides teach is pacing plus context. They explain the wines and cheeses alongside the pairing choices, and they’re interactive enough that you’re not just listening like it’s a lecture. You’ll hear about wine regions and how those regions relate to grapes and flavors, and the cheese side gets treated with the same respect—what it is, how it tastes, and why it matches.

If you enjoy asking questions (or if you just like having someone translate what you’re tasting into plain language), this format supports that. And if you’re newer to wine, it’s also easier to follow because you taste step-by-step through the lineup rather than getting handed a “try this and guess” quiz.

The pairing lineup: what to expect from the whites to the reds

This experience is built around progression. You start tasting and move through the lineup of whites and reds while you’re presented with paired cheeses. Since the cheeses include brie, blue, and goat, you can expect a range of textures and intensities—from creamy and mild to tangier and stronger.

Here’s why that range is useful for you:

• Whites often make more sense with softer, creamier cheeses, because acidity can cut through richness.
• Reds bring more structure—useful when the cheese gets bolder (like blue-style intensity or firmer, more aged flavors).
• Blue and goat cheeses tend to reward attention. They’re not subtle, so the pairing choices teach you what kinds of wine characteristics work with strong flavors.

In the session, you’ll also be drinking alcoholic beverages and likely rinsing your palate with water. That matters more than people think. After a few cheese-forward bites, water and pacing help you keep tasting clearly instead of sliding into “it all tastes salty and interesting.”

The practical takeaway: don’t rush. If you want to actually benefit from the pairing lessons, take a moment between each round and notice the shift when you change wine or cheese.

The “Make Your Own Wine” theme—how to read it

The event description frames the session as a Make Your Own Wine Workshop, but the experience you’ll spend most of your time on is the structured tastings. You’re guided through 10 wines and 10 cheese pairings in the cellar setting.

So my advice is to treat the workshop label as part of the event atmosphere, not as a promise that you’ll bottle or blend something to take home. Your core value here is the tasting progression: the wines, the cheese pairings, and the guide-led explanations that help you connect flavors and regions.

If you go in expecting a hands-on winemaking step, you might feel a little underwhelmed. If you go in wanting a guided tasting with real pairing education, you’ll likely find the experience hits its mark.

Timing and logistics for your Louvre-area afternoon

This tasting runs about 2 hours and starts at 12:15 pm. Because there’s no hotel pickup and the meeting point is fixed, plan on arriving a few minutes early, especially if you’re also navigating to the Louvre area.

A mid-day start is great if you want something structured before the late afternoon crowds fully kick in. But it can also affect your lunch plans. If you’re the type who normally eats a big meal first, consider keeping lunch light beforehand so the cheese doesn’t overwhelm you.

Also note the limit: the group max is 12 travelers. That cap keeps it intimate, but it also means the experience can sell out. If you’re traveling during peak season, booking ahead is usually the smartest move.

What you get besides the tasting: Les Caves du Louvre admission

One of the highlights is free admission to Les Caves du Louvre. That adds real value because you’re not only paying for the tasting; you’re also getting a chance to explore the cellar complex itself.

Think of it like this: the tasting teaches your palate, and the extra admission lets you stay in the same theme without rushing off immediately. Even if you’re not a deep-dive history person, the cellar setting is atmospheric, and walking around after tasting can help you remember the experience beyond the flavors.

Wine and cheese price value: is it worth $129.16?

At $129.16 per person for a 2-hour experience, this isn’t a “cheap snack” activity. But the price makes more sense when you look at what’s included:

• 10 wine tastings total (5 white, 5 red)
• 10 paired cheeses
• English-speaking wine expert
• Alcoholic beverages served during the tasting
• Small group size (max 12)
• Free admission to Les Caves du Louvre

If you’ve done tastings before, you know the common issue: you pay for a couple pours and a light explanation. Here, the lineup is complete—enough volume to learn patterns, not just sample. Add in the royal-cellar setting and the centralized Louvre-area location, and the cost starts to feel reasonable for a structured, guided experience that’s designed to last.

Who should book this tasting?

I’d steer you toward this experience if you fit at least a few of these:

• You want a guided pairing lesson with both reds and whites, not just one style
• You enjoy asking questions and hearing the “why” behind wine and cheese matches
• You’re visiting the Louvre area and want an indoor activity that feels special
• You like small groups and conversation-friendly pacing

It may not be your best choice if you prefer very quiet activities, because tasting sessions with guides tend to be chatty. And if underground spaces are an issue for you, consider that the whole setting is in the cellar environment.

Should you book Ten Wines and Ten Cheeses in a Royal Cellar?

If your goal is to leave Paris with a stronger sense of how French wines and classic cheeses pair—brie, blue, goat, and more—this is a strong booking. The small-group setup and the guide-led explanations (with presenters like Willie, Maria, Clement, Jasmina, Irving, and Philipe being referenced in people’s experiences) give you a better chance to actually learn, not just drink.

Book it if you want structured tastings with real pairing education in a memorable setting under the Louvre. Skip it if you want a low-skill, no-explanations activity or if navigating to the meeting point on your own is a deal-breaker.

FAQ

How long is the wine and cheese tasting?

The tasting lasts about 2 hours.

What’s included in the price?

You get tastings of 5 white wines and 5 red wines, 10 cheeses paired with the wine, an English-speaking wine expert, alcoholic beverages, and admission included for the tasting experience.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Les Caves du Louvre, 52 Rue de l’Arbre Sec, 75001 Paris, France.

What time does the tasting start?

The start time listed is 12:15 pm.

Is there a group size limit?

Yes. The experience has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Do I need a hotel pickup?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point.

Is the tour restricted by age?

Yes. The minimum age is 18.

If you want, tell me your travel dates and whether you’re more into wine, cheese, or both—I can help you fit this into a Louvre-area plan without overbooking your afternoon.